May 17, 2018

The creativity at the Fort Myers Beach Art Association doesn't wan during the summer months. Nor does the chance to purchase the fine works of art generated by the more than 150 members of the group, many of whom are nationally recognized artists. The Fort Myers Beach Art Association Summer Show runs now through Oct. 15.

"All pieces on display are created by our members and all artwork in this exhibit will be available for viewing and sale until the fall season starts," said Summer Show chairperson JoAnn Lapadula. "This show gives our members a chance to display more than the normal number of pieces allowed in our other shows throughout the year and runs for a longer period of time. Artwork will change as the summer progresses so don't forget to take a look again and again."

The association's artists don't just rest during the summer either. They're hard at work, or rather, creating. The Fort Myers Beach Art Association and Gallery is at 3030 Shell Mound Blvd. and open for the summer now through Oct. 15 on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon. The Summer Show has become a great way to meet and greet some of the talented island artists.

"Our artists are often working in the gallery on other days as well, if you come by on those days just knock and the artist would be happy to allow you to visit," Lapadula said. "The summer gives us a chance to try different techniques and have a lot of fun creating. We love visitors coming in to pursue, and we enjoy hearing comments about our art."

What will you find on your Fort Myers Beach treasure hunt? Oodles of original art at amazing prices with something for everyone's taste. An original piece of art is unique and often has some kind of story behind it. It goes from start to finish from the heart, mind and hands of the originator.

"Our visitors do not realize the number of talented artists we have here," Lapadula said. "They are always pleasantly surprised to see the wide variety of subjects, styles, sizes, and prices of the art here in the gallery. This show offers all sizes of artwork from mini masters to packable suitcase sizes to super-sized and instant drama. Any sales are a gift for the artists as well as the community because 100 percent of the money from sales goes to the artists which is quite unusual for a gallery."

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The association's artists can always be found around the island promoting education in the cultural aspects of life on Fort Myers Beach, like promoting study, practice and appreciation of art, and holding art exhibitions and programs which are open to the public, and encouraging art instruction of children and junior artist. The group is celebrating its 67th anniversary and their creativity has not waned. They continue to be an all-volunteer-member-operated, not-for-profit art association.

"We are an easy-going, fun-loving and art-loving bunch of down-to-earth friendly folks," Lapadula said. "Our working gallery is a place to go where everyone knows your name or soon will."

They are also very dedicated to raising funds to benefit the association's student scholarship program. Each year, the group works with local high schools to encourage students to enter the Student Scholarship Show in April. Last year, more than $3,000 was distributed students who choose to pursue art education in college.

Do you have more than an appreciation of viewing art and maybe dreamed of becoming an artist yourself? Check out the association where many of its instructors are national award-winners and are generous in sharing their talents.

"Anyone interested in awakening or expanding your inner artist is invited to explore the classes and short workshops listed on our website," Lapadula said. "Or come on in and join us and become a member."

Throughout the year, the gallery is home to: classes, famous artist workshops, short workshops, indoor painting groups, and of course, shows.

Lapadula invites anyone with even the slightest interest in art to visit the association.

"We want people to discover us," Lapadula said. "Stop by and visit. We love what we do and want others to enjoy it. Please come and browse. You do not have to purchase anything, but be forewarned, once you see the art you will want to take it home."